Trump to Putin: “End the War in Ukraine, Stop Testing Missiles”
In a striking mid-air press conference aboard Air Force One, former U.S. President Donald Trump directly challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to focus on ending the war in Ukraine rather than conducting provocative missile tests. The comments came in response to Russia’s announcement of a successful test of its nuclear-powered “Burevestnik” cruise missile.
A Rebuke from the Sky
While en route to Tokyo on Monday, Trump labeled Russia’s recent missile test “not appropriate,” using the moment to highlight the ongoing stalemate in Ukraine. “He should get the war ended. A war that should have taken a week is now soon in its fourth year. That’s what he should do instead of testing missiles,” Trump told reporters.
The former president framed the new weapons development as a misallocation of resources, pointing to existing U.S. military presence as a sufficient deterrent. “The United States already has a nuclear submarine deployed right off their shore,” he stated, adding, “They’re not playing games with us and we’re not playing games with them either.”
The Burevestnik “Skyfall” Missile: A Weapon Shrouded in Mystery
The catalyst for Trump’s remarks was Russia’s test of the Burevestnik missile—codenamed “Skyfall” by NATO. Russian authorities claim the test was a resounding success, with the missile allegedly flying for approximately 15 hours and covering a staggering 14,000 km. They suggest this extreme range could be extended further, positioning the Burevestnik as a long-range weapon capable of bypassing modern missile defense systems.
However, the weapon is viewed with deep skepticism by Western analysts. The concept of a nuclear-powered cruise missile presents immense technical challenges and raises serious concerns about environmental safety and radioactive contamination in the event of a failure. Many experts question the strategic logic and practical viability of such a complex weapon system.
Kremlin’s Defiant Response
The Kremlin swiftly defended its actions and dismissed the criticism from the United States. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia will continue to act in line with its national interests, seeing no reason for the weapons test to harm relations with Washington.
“That’s how it was, that’s how it is, and that’s how it’s going to be,” Peskov asserted, signaling Moscow’s intent to proceed with its military modernization plans regardless of international pressure.
Linking Weapons to Warfare: A Broader Frustration
Trump’s comments reflect a broader frustration with the protracted conflict in Ukraine. By explicitly linking Russia’s missile testing to the war’s duration, he attempted to frame the Burevestnik test as a distraction from what he sees as a more pressing priority: diplomacy.
From Moscow’s perspective, however, the missile test is a non-negotiable part of its national security strategy. It is portrayed as essential for maintaining nuclear deterrence, countering U.S. missile-defense systems, and demonstrating Russia’s resilience and technological prowess in the face of widespread Western sanctions.
Geopolitical Stalemate: Signaling and Strategy
This exchange offers a vivid snapshot of the current geopolitical stalemate. On one side, a U.S. leader publicly chastises Russia for prioritizing military showcases over peace. On the other, Russia continues to advance its military narrative while maintaining that its war aims are legitimate.
The key question remains whether Trump’s remarks are merely rhetorical positioning or a precursor to a substantive shift in U.S. policy toward the Russia-Ukraine war. The interplay of weapons tests, arms control, and conflict resolution continues to define this high-stakes confrontation, with the Burevestnik test serving as the latest flashpoint in a prolonged battle of wills.
